Para- Nordic Classification Policy
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Para- Nordic Classification Policy Policy 2014 Table of Contents Preamble ................................................................................................................................. 3 Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Authority ................................................................................................................................. 3 Definition of Classifiers ............................................................................................................ 3 Type of Classifiers .................................................................................................................... 4 Training/Certification of Classifiers .......................................................................................... 5 Term of Canadian Classifiers .................................................................................................... 6 Classifier Compensation ........................................................................................................... 6 Canadian Classification System Adaptations ............................................................................ 7 Canadian Classified athletes .................................................................................................... 8 National Classification Panel .................................................................................................... 9 IPCNS Classification Panel ...................................................................................................... 10 Funding .................................................................................................................................. 10 Review ................................................................................................................................... 10 Nordiq Canada Para- Nordic Classification Policy 2014 | 2 Preamble Classification of athletes into defined Sport Classes is an integral part of all sport for ‘Athletes with a Disability’ within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) system. The aim of a classification system is to ensure that an athlete’s impairment is relevant to sport performance, and to ensure that athletes compete equitably to provide for fair competition. According to the IPC the purpose of classification...“is to minimize the impact of eligible impairment types on the outcome of competition, so that Athletes who succeed in competition are those with best anthropometry, physiology and psychology and who have enhanced them to the best effect.” The Nordiq Canada classification system will follow the IPC Classification Code http://www.paralympic.org/classification-code and IPC Nordic Skiing (NS) Classification Rules and Regulations (R&R) http://www.paralympic.org/nordic-skiing/rules-and- regulations/classification while providing the flexibility to allow for the unique requirements of Canada’s Para-Nordic (PN) classification system as outlined in section 9.0 of this document. Aim The aim of this policy is to provide direction for how the Nordiq Canada PN classification system will be managed. This policy document, in conjunction with the IPC Classification Code and IPCNS Classification R&R will provide the framework within which the process of classification will take place. Authority This policy is published under the authority of the Nordiq Canada Para-Nordic (PN) Committee. Definition of Classifiers Nordiq Canada Classifiers under the terms of this policy are only able to classify athletes with physical impairments (PI) in the LW classes (LW 2-9 standing and LW 10-12 sitting). The term ‘Classifier’ refers only to PI Classifiers in this policy. Nordiq Canada Para- Nordic Classification Policy 2014 | 3 Athletes with a visual impairment (VI) in classes B1-3 are classified by a separate process either through an IPC VI Classification Panel or by recommendation of an IPC certified VI classifier based upon their assessment of a completed IPC VI medical diagnostics form. The terms of this policy include VI athletes but not VI classifiers. Type of Classifiers Nordiq Canada will maintain a classification system which includes the following: a) IPC Certified Medical Classifiers – Minimum of two and a maximum of three; b) IPC Certified Technical Classifiers – Minimum of one and maximum of two; c) Head classifier – One of the IPC certified classifiers, either medical or technical, will be appointed as the Head of National Classification by the Nordiq Canada Assistant Director of High Performance - Para-Nordic (ADHP-PN) in consultation with the Nordiq Canada PN Committee; d) NationalClassificationConsultants–Asappropriateandavailable. Medical/technical classifiers will classify athletes Nationally and advise the Nordiq Canada PN Committee on classification issues under the direction of the Nordiq Canada ADHP-PN. Classifiers will be chosen and trained based upon their interest, experience, professional qualifications and ability to meet IPCNS requirements for certification. Canadian classifiers will also be chosen considering geographic and Nordiq Canada Division representation. National Classification Consultants are non-IPCNS certified classification experts who will advise the Nordiq Canada classification system. Consultants may be part of National Classification Panels but they are not IPCNS certified classifiers and cannot classify athletes. Current IPC Certified Classifiers: • Bjorn Taylor, Lamont AB - Technical Classifier and Head of Classification. IPC certified March 2012 Nordiq Canada Para- Nordic Classification Policy 2014 | 4 • Berit Dool (P.T.), Thunder Bay ON - Medical Classifier IPC certified January 2013 • Julie Sanders (P.T.), St Agapit QC – Medical Classifier IPC Certified January 2013 Current National Classification Consultants: • Kaspar Wirz (Saskatoon Sask) – Former PNST Head Coach with 20+ years of experience in Para-Nordic sport and classification. • Shane Munro (P.T) (Canmore AB) – Physiotherapist and medical coordinator for the Para-Nordic National Ski Team (PNST). Shane has IPCNS and National Classification Panel experience. Shane will become IPCNS certified as medical classifier. Training/Certification of Classifiers All Canadian classifiers (medical and technical) must be IPCNS certified. Canadian classifiers will be trained and certified through the IPCNS process of attending an IPCNS Classification Seminar and receiving related training and experience on IPCNS classification panels. Subject to pre-approval Nordiq Canada will generally pay the full cost of training and certifying new classifiers, including travel accommodation and course fees. Individuals may apply to Nordiq Canada for support for their training and certification. In return, the classifiers are expected remain active in the Canadian Para-Nordic classification system for at least three years, taking part in at least one National Classification Panel per year as required. It is also expected that Canadian classifiers will be a part of the IPCNS classification system and will take part in IPCNS classification panels and other professional development opportunities offered by the IPCNS. IPCNS classification panel assignments will be the responsibility of IPCNS to organize and fund. Nordiq Canada Para- Nordic Classification Policy 2014 | 5 Term of Canadian Classifiers As long as Canadian classifiers are certified through IPCNS and are following the IPCNS Classification R&R for professional development and re-certification, they are eligible to continue as Canadian national classifiers with no limit to the length of term. The Nordiq Canada ADHP-PN, in consultation with the Nordiq Canada PN Committee, may end the term of a classifier if the classifier is not actively involved in the Canadian classification system, and/or is deemed to be not following the terms of this policy. Classifier Compensation Following the IPCNS Classification R&R, Canadian classifiers are considered volunteers who volunteer their time for reasons related to personal interest, commitment to the Paralympic movement and professional development. It is recognized that classifiers provide a valuable service to the Canadian Para-Nordic system and that classifiers are often professionals with full- time jobs and commitments so some financial compensation to classifiers is necessary to support the Canadian classification system. a) Subject to pre-approval, Nordiq Canada will generally cover expenses (including travel, food, accommodation and other reasonable expenses allowed, pursuant to Nordiq Canada’s travel and expense policy) when a Certified Classifier or National Consultant is travelling to a National Classification Panel or other required meeting for classification purposes. Participants may apply in advance to Nordiq Canada for approval of such expenses. b) Subject to pre-approval by Nordiq Canada, when volunteering as a classifier at a National Classification Panel or other required meeting certified classifiers and national consultants will be offered an honorarium of $200 per day including travel time. This amount will be evaluated on an annual basis at Nordiq Canada’s fiscal year end and adjusted as appropriate. Nordiq Canada Para- Nordic Classification Policy 2014 | 6 c) There will be no honorarium or other compensation for regular communication and consultation. Canadian Classification System Adaptations As stated in the preamble of this policy document,